Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport is 12 miles (19 km) east of the city, a trip taking about 25 minutes by taxi. Taxis are paid for upfront with tickets purchased at booths outside the arrival hall. Many hotels offer pickup services, and a public bus to Central Caminera Vieja near the historic center stops at the bottom of Terminal 1 (fare: 6 pesos). Most attractions downtown can be reached by walking. Horse-drawn carriages (calandria) also circulate. Getting around the sprawling city - one of the largest urban centers in North American - can be accomplished by taxi and public transit.
Cars can be rented 24/7 at the airport from a good selection of local and international agencies. Prices range from US$25 a day to US$190. A valid driver's license from your home country is required. For ease and best price, it is wise to reserve ahead online. Agencies also have offices in the city.
Launched in 2014, MIBICI is a public bike system operating 365 days a year, beginning with 116 stations in the center of Guadalajara and Zapopan and growing into a system connecting Arcos Vallarta, Chapalita, Mezquitán and Tlaquepaque. It is integrated with light rail lines and buses. A one-day pass costs 80 pesos (about US$4), three days for 160 pesos and 7 days for 280. Annual passes are also available. Payment is by credit card.
A mostly underground light rail system operated by SITEUR connects Guadalajara, Zapopan and Tiaqupaque. Line 1 runs north-south and Line 2 east-west, intersecting at the Juárez station on the western edge of the Centro Historico. Trains run from 5 am to 11 pm. Fare is 7 pesos (34 US cents), payable in exact change or with pre-loaded smart cards.
Getting around the sprawling city by bus requires transfers, a pocket full of change and a tolerance for closely packed crowds. Many major routes in the complex system pass through the city center with service from 6 am to 10 pm daily. Plot your journey on a map from the tourist office before you take off. Fares are 6 pesos (30 US cents), but for 12 pesos you can ride the turquoise luxury buses, which are air-conditioned and have limits on how many passengers can board. If you are just traveling between the Centro Historico and the Zona Rosa, take the Par Vial Route along Avenida Vallarta westbound and Avenida Hidalgo eastbound.
Plenty of taxis are available, costing 10 to 30 pesos a ride (50 US cents to US$1.50). If the taxi isn't metered, settle on the fare before you get in. Not all taxis are metered. Know where you are going, and have a map at hand. Uber has been available since 2015.
